Power through aggregating functionality

Software developers are always striving to provide more innovative ways of engaging users. One of these ways is to created platforms that integrate functionality. In the cloud software developers utilise application programming interface (API) as a way to serve as an interface between different programs and facilitate interaction.

Photo courtesy of renjith krishnan

The definition of an API is the specific method prescribed by a computer operating system or by an application program by which a programmer writing an application program can make requests of the operating system or another application. An API can be contrasted with a graphical user interface or a command interface (both of which are direct user interfaces) as interfaces to an operating system or a program.

With the massive uptake of instant messaging in the enterprise across multiple clients it makes sense to deploy a single enterprise solution that will handle multiple IM clients. JBuddy Messenger by Zion Software is a multi-protocol, cross-platform instant messaging desktop client. JBuddy Messenger supports popular public instant messaging protocols as well as enterprise instant messaging servers and runs on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Solaris and other Java-enabled desktop environments.

The Jbuddy platform is an excellent example of how the benefits of API can provide innovation.

JBuddy API Stack

Through the use of the JBuddy API users are able to experience instant messaging from the following public services;
# AIM
# ICQ
# Windows Live Messenger (formerly MSN Messenger)
# Yahoo Instant Messenger and
# Google Talk

It also supports Enterprise solutions in this space with the following platforms;
# IBM Lotus Sametime
# Microsoft Office Communications Server (OCS 2007)
# Microsoft Live Communications Server (LCS 2005)
# Apple’s iChat Server
# Jabber / XMPP Servers
# JBuddy Message Server

By crossing multiple public and enterprise platforms JBuddy Messenger succeeds in providing an enhanced experience for the user. It also promotes growth into what is referred to as the mashable ecosystem. A mashup

Interview with Roger Taylor of Capital Reservations

Ok well I met with Roger Taylor who is the owner of Capital Reservations which is a travel company (with an online presence) that specialises in finding last minute accommodation for the corporate sector. I wanted to update this blog with the results of that interview. I would like to thank Roger for his time and allowing me to post the details of our interview on my blog.

Here are the questions I asked Roger and the responses.

* What were the reasons why you included blogging into your site in 2005?

At the time of starting Capital Reservations I was involved with the Brisbane Bullets basketball team. I had been speaking with one of the marketing people involved in the Brisbane Bullets and he had incorporated a Blog into the Brisbane Bullets site and he mentioned that it would be a good idea to incorporate it into mine. So I arranged for my IT person to set it up for me.

* How do you think the use of blogging has enhanced your company marketing, branding and public relations?

At first the blog site was setup by my IT person as more of an area to post comments on the site and didn’t really work well as a blog. It wasn’t until later when I incorporated blogger.com it became more effective.

* How often do you blog?

As much as I can. It changes but I try and get something on there every week. Sometimes it can be hard when we have so much work happening but I do try and keep it regular.

* What do you blog about?

When I blog it is more in response to service rather than to drive sales. I might blog about a venue I visited and how the experience was for me so clients can get a feel if that is the sort of accommodation place they would like to visit.

* Do you utilise other web 2.0 technologies with your company other than blogging?

With Capital Reservations I just use blogging but with one of my other sites to do with basketball I use blogging and twitter. I am keen on trying some new web 2.0 technologies.

* Are you aware of some of the other web 2.0 technologies?

I am aware of facebook, twitter and LinkedIn. I am not sure about any others but there would be more.

* Would you be interested in including other web 2.0 technologies to enhance your company marketing, branding and public relations?

Yes I am definitely keen on hearing about what some of these new technologies may offer. If it is something that could work then I am interested in trying them. I guess I would have to look into them first to see whether they would be a worthwhile venture.

Do you think that your use of Web 2.0 Technologies has been effective?

It has helped to increase traffic to the site which is great. I have been able to check Google analytics and comments left to see how effective it has been.

* Can you give any indication on Return on Investment (ROI) with your blogging?
I haven’t done enough with Capital Reservations to determine any real return on investment. I know with my other site I have definitely been able to generate traffic to the site using web 2.0.

Have you done any research with other competitors and what they are doing?
Yes I have looked at Wotif around certain peak dates and by using the status of their site I can determine how busy so areas may be.

What do you perceive you may use in the future?
I know that WOTIF is using Twitter but I am not sure whether I will be able to use it for the market that I cater to. I will definitely look into LinkedIn as that definitely sounds like one that is focused on developing business relationships.

DigitalOrgs – A portal to Web 2.0 / Enterprise 2.0

I was thinking about how we can improve the Digital Orgs Website. As part of our course we are looking at trying to establish and enhance our personal branding. I think at the moment it would be great to work towards a goal of making Digitalorgs a portal or better yet a community that encourages collaboration and communication in relation to Web 2.0 and Enterprise 2.0.

At the moment Digitalorgs is filled with information relating to the course (which of course if important for us). However, I would suggest that we develop Digitalorgs to have a feel more like a community rather than a site we need to visit as an alternative to the QUT Blackboard. For example if we were to post about our second assessment item then rather than calling it assessment item 2 we could list it on the site as “current team projects”.

I think with the government 2.0 taskforce now active that the enhancement of DigitalOrgs will allow students in the subject to have a platform to launch the development and promotion of new ideas.

I also think we need to create a mission statement to outline what DigitalOrgs represents and what we as a community want to achieve. I also think that there should be a code of ethics incorporated into the blog so there is a set the rules of what is acceptable.

I would be keen to hear your thoughts on this topic….

Regards

Brendan